Prestige: Luberon walking in Style

Prestige: Luberon walking in Style

Give you a treat on a "hiking chic" itinerary, with the most Prestige accommodations and 3 gourmet dinners.

The paths of the Luberon reveal untamed hills and hidden canyons, hilltop villages, cultivated fields of olive groves, cherry orchards and vineyards, as well as colourful Provençal markets.

The Luberon harbours prestigious villages, among the most beautiful in France: Isle sur la Sorgue, Gordes, Bonnieux… all with their typical Provençal charm and flair. This trip combines the best of what Provence has to offer: scenery worthy of endless postcards, a rich history and culture, great Mediterranean food, stunning walking paths.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Prestige accommodations with 3 gourmets gastronomic dinners

The quaysides of Isle sur la Sorgue

3 delicious picnics

The lavender fields in front of Sénanque Abbey

Walking along dry stone walls and the "Plague wall"

The hilltop villages of the Luberon, including Gordes, Goult, Lacoste and Bonnieux

Day 1

By the clear waters of the Sorgue

Isle sur la Sorgue

Your walking tour begins in l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: a veritable island of a village, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Sorgue river, its canals bordered by quaint cafés, restaurants, and antique shops. The town’s Sunday market is among the most colourful in Provence. Lose yourself among the labyrinth of narrow streets and in the town’s warm Provençal charm. Gourmet dinner in town included and night in Isle sur la sorgue.

Day 2

Distance :

13 km

Elevation :

+ 450m
- 200m

Mysterious springs and plage wall

Fontaine de Vaucluse > Gordes (4h30 - 8 miles)

Picnic included

A short transfer takes to Fontaine de Vaucluse and its mysterious spring : no one or machine has been able to gauge its depths. Following a 300 year-old wall built to ward off the plague – which entered Marseille in 1720 – you walk along paths carved into the bush and cedar forests to Gordes. Gourmet dinner included and night in Gordes.

Small market on Tuesday morning in Gordes

Day 3

Distance :

10 km

Elevation :

+ 250m
- 250m

Lavender fields and l'Abbaye de Sénanque

Gordes > Senanque > Gordes (3h20 - 6.2 miles)

Picnic included

Gordes is perched high above the Calavon valley, its majestic stone homes rising dramatically in concentric circles to its castle, crowning the village. Atop a vast plateau, you cross through lavender and thyme-laden fields dotted with old stone huts, on your way to Sénanque Abbey - a jewel of 12th century Romanesque architecture - You will have time to explore the abbey before returning to Gordes via a cobbled path. Dinner on you rown and night in Gordes.

Small market on Tuesday morning in Gordes

Day 4

Distance :

11 km

Elevation :

+ 320M
- 250m

Bories and magnificent perched villages

Gordes > Goult > Bonnieux (3h30 - 6.8 miles)

Picnic included

Short morning transfer to Goult, a timeless village of medieval homes and untouched by modern tourism. You walk among the ruins old stone farmhouses to the village of Lacoste, crowned by the imposing ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. Your walk continues to Bonnieux, another gem of the Luberon, one of the centre-stage villages in Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence . Visit its beautiful town squares and the old cobbled steps leading to its 12th century church. Gourmet dinner and night in Bonnieux.

Market on Friday morning in Bonnieux

Day 5

Distance :

12 km

Elevation :

+ 400M
- 400M

Bonnieux and the cedar forest

Bonnieux > Cedar Forest > Bonnieux (3h30 - 7,4 miles)

A pleasant and gradual climb through the forest leads to the ridge of the Petit Luberon mountain. At the top, the outstanding view extends from the Alps to the north to the Mediterranean Sea to the South. You continue through the shaded cedar forest before dropping down to the plains and a leisurly return to Bonnieux. Dinner on your own and night in Bonnieux.

BB La Maison sur la Sorgue

This 17th century mansion house - located in the heart of the city - is a perfect blend of history, art and design.

You will enjoy the lush garden and the swimming pool - by the Sorgue river -, under a majestic plane tree.

Breakfast is served in the dining room or in the garden by the swimming pool.

Hotel Les Bories - Gordes

Only a 20 mins walk from the center of Gordes - on an 8 hectare estate surrounded by olive trees, cypresses, oaks and lavender field - the 5 star Hotel Les Bories and Spa welcomes you in one of their elegant 33 guest rooms and suites.

The perfect place to relax before or after your trip: go for a swim in the indoor heated or outdoor pool, work out in the fitness room, relax in the spa or play tennis.

B. de Capelongue - Bonnieux

Set above the village of Bonnieux and overlooking Europe's largest cedar forest, the prestigious 4 star Bastide de Capelongue - Relais Chateau - welcomes you in one of their 27 elegant air conditioned rooms.

Enjoy a gourmet meal in their gastronomic restaurant, reserve a cooking class with the famous chef Edouard Loubet or simply relax by the pool and enjoy the stunning views!

Morning : choice of 2 self-guided loop walks in the vineyards of Chateauneuf - with a road-book - passing along the way the wine estates of: Vaudieu, Nalys, Solitude, Chateau Mont Redon

1pm: gourmet lunch at the famous restaurant "La Mère Germaine"

Afternoon with a wine expert for 3 hours (non private)* Walk into the vineyards with explanation about the grapes* Private visit to a family run winery : explanation of the vinification and barrel wine tasting* Private visit to a Château (one of the most famous and oldest cellars in the area) + wine tasting* if time permits, chocolate and wine tasting

TRIP rates

The rates are per person, on a 2 pers. minimum reservation basis ( shared room), and subject to availability

INCLUDED

5 nights double occupancy with private facilities

5 breakfasts

3 dinners

3 picnics

Day 2: transfer from Isle to the beginning of your walk

Day 4: transfer from Gordes to the beginning of your walk in Goult

Day 6: transfer to Isle sur la Sorgue

Luggage transfers from day 2 > 6

Our Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps

1 road map of the region

NOT INCLUDED

All lunches & dinners not noted-included in your itinerary

Entrance fees into museums, insurance, drinks

Items of personal nature

SINGLE supplement Prestige accommodation : 985 €uros

Path Restrictions

Important : From June 1st to September 15thAccess may be restricted in the Luberon mountains if the risk of forest fire is high. There is a risk that the paths may be closed as of noon on any given day or in exceptional circumstances the paths may be closed altogether. Information is available from 6:00pm for the following day from the local prefecture by telephone (automated message).